Nearly two years after his murder, the family of Kyle Byrtus has increased the reward for information on the person or persons responsible for his death by $2,000, bringing the total amount of the reward to $3,000.
Byrtus, who was 25 at the time of his death, was found lying in a field in Lehigh Acres in August 2013. But before his life was taken, Byrtus was travelling down a road of success, following his graduation with honors from Fort Myers High Schoolas a star track athlete. During his late teens and early 20s, he developed a strong work ethic and after attending college on the east coast of Florida, had goals of becoming a business leader. However, some bad choices led to Byrtus associating with drug users and abusers. It’s those relationships, particularly ones in the Pine Manor community, that may very well have played a role in his murder.
In an effort to encourage someone in the know to come forward with information on Byrtus’ murder, his family established a GoFundMe account last year. On what would have been his 27th birthday this past May, his family asked Byrtus’ friends to donate just $5 each to the GoFundMe account, in hopes of raising more money for the reward in his case. On Monday, his family added $2,000 to the reward fund, which will be in addition to the $1,000 offered by Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers.
In an effort to reach out to the community, Lamar Advertising generously donated a billboard at the entrance to the Pine Manor community, announcing the increase in reward money and encouraging anyone in the know to call Crime Stoppers with whatever information they have.
“There are so many people who want answers and justice for Kyle and his family,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “We are confident there are people who know more than they’re coming forward with, and we hope that they will take into consideration the heartache that Kyle’s mother feels on a daily basis, and her need for answers as to why someone would take her son’s life. The person or persons responsible for his murder are still out there, and if they have the capacity to kill one person, who’s to say they won’t do it again?”
Anyone with information on the murder of Kyle Byrtus is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.